Week 19 preview: Crucial matchups in the 15-Only division

KINGS PARK, N.Y. — There’s a glut of talent occupying the middle of the 15-Only division, meaning that several great teams are precariously teetering on the edge of playoff contention. One game could make all the difference as we race down the stretch. 

North Jersey Avalanche vs. Long Island Royals (Premier)

The North Jersey Avalanche will put their undefeated season on the line against the Long Island Royals. They’ve been utterly dominant throughout the entire year, posting an 18-0 record and scoring 164 goals whilst surrendering only 20. That could only make them a bigger target for the Royals, who while they currently sit at a respectable 7-11-2, need to start stacking some wins if they’re to overcome the logjam of talent clogging the middle of the divisional rankings. 

WB/Scranton Jr. Knights vs. New Jersey Jr. Titans (Premier)

This is a hugely important game for the Knights. They currently occupy fourth place in the standings, which means they’re right on the brink of playoff qualification. A loss could be catastrophic, but a win could bring them as high as second place. They’re an exceptionally talented team, having scored 105 goals on the year (second to only the Avalanche), but to live up to their potential, they’ll have to keep winning. This is an equally important game for the Titans who despite posting a stellar 11-7 record, find themselves in sixth place. They’re two games back from the Knights for the last playoff spot, but the good news is that they’ve got a prime opportunity to knock the Knights off here and make up some serious ground in the playoff race. 

New York Saints vs. Valley Forge Minutemen (Premier)

The Minutemen are locked in a tight duel for second place with the Philadelphia Junior Flyers. With both teams at 14 wins, it’s a game of chicken — who will blink and lose a game first? The Minutemen can’t afford to look past their opponents this weekend, the 1-17 New York Saints, with so much at stake.